U.S. patent number 9,753,436 [Application Number 14/966,719] was granted by the patent office on 2017-09-05 for rotary input mechanism for an electronic device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to APPLE INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Colin M. Ely, Duncan Kerr, John B. Morrell, Camille Moussette, Fletcher Rothkopf, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher Matthew Werner.
United States Patent |
9,753,436 |
Ely , et al. |
September 5, 2017 |
Rotary input mechanism for an electronic device
Abstract
One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a
wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes
an enclosure having a sidewall with a button aperture defined
therethrough, a display connected to the enclosure, a processing
element in communication with the display. The device also includes
a sensing element in communication with the processing element and
an input button at least partially received within the button
aperture and in communication with the sensing element, the input
button configured to receive two types of user inputs. During
operation, the sensing element tracks movement of the input button
to determine the two types of user inputs.
Inventors: |
Ely; Colin M. (Cupertino,
CA), Rothkopf; Fletcher (Cupertino, CA), Werner;
Christopher Matthew (Cupertino, CA), Morrell; John B.
(Cupertino, CA), Moussette; Camille (Cupertino, CA),
Kerr; Duncan (Cupertino, CA), Shedletsky; Anna-Katrina
(Mountain View, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
APPLE INC. (Cupertino,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
55632770 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/966,719 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160098016 A1 |
Apr 7, 2016 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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PCT/US2014/040728 |
Jun 3, 2014 |
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PCT/US2013/045264 |
Jun 11, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G04G
21/08 (20130101); G04G 21/00 (20130101); G04C
3/004 (20130101); G04B 3/04 (20130101); G04C
3/04 (20130101); G06F 3/0362 (20130101); G04C
3/00 (20130101); H01H 35/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G04G
21/00 (20100101); G04G 21/08 (20100101); G04B
3/04 (20060101); G04C 3/04 (20060101); G04C
3/00 (20060101); H01H 35/00 (20060101); G01D
5/24 (20060101); G01D 5/26 (20060101); G01D
5/241 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;368/69,70,74,319-321
;200/4,5,600 |
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|
Primary Examiner: Johnson; Amy Cohen
Assistant Examiner: Wicklund; Daniel
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck,
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This patent application is a continuation patent application of
PCT/US2014/040728, filed Jun. 3, 2014, and titled "Rotary Input
Mechanism for an Electronic Device," which claims priority to PCT
Application No. PCT/US2013/045264, filed Jun. 11, 2013, and titled
"Rotary Input Mechanism for an Electronic Device," the disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A wearable electronic device, comprising: an enclosure having an
aperture defined therethrough; an input button having a stem that
extends into the aperture and defines an axis extending along a
length of the stem; an optical sensor positioned along a side of
the stem and configured to sense an optical characteristic of the
stem to detect a rotation of the input button about the axis; a
switch including a collapsible dome positioned proximate an end of
the stem and configured to detect a translation of the input button
along the axis; and an O-ring positioned around the stem and within
the aperture, the O-ring maintaining contact with an interior
surface of the aperture during the rotation of the input button and
the translation of the input button.
2. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a
display positioned at least partially within the enclosure and
having a touch sensor configured to detect touch input; and a
processing element operatively coupled to the display and
configured to: modify a graphical output of the display in a first
manner in response to the rotation of the input button; modify the
graphical output of the display in a second manner in response to
the translation of the input button; and modify the graphical
output of the display in a third manner in response to the touch
input.
3. The wearable electronic device of claim 2, wherein: modifying
the graphical output of the display in the first manner includes
scrolling a list of items displayed on the display; and modifying
the graphical output of the display in the second manner includes
selecting an item of the list of items.
4. The wearable electronic device of claim 3, wherein: the optical
sensor is configured to detect a direction of the rotation and a
speed of the rotation; and modifying the graphical output of the
display in the first manner is in accordance with the direction and
the speed of the rotation.
5. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the stem
defines a groove along a surface of the stem and the O-ring is
positioned partially within the groove; and the O-ring is
configured to move relative to the aperture in response to the
translation of the input button.
6. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the end of
the stem is configured to compress the collapsible dome in response
to the translation of the input button; and the collapsible dome is
configured to produce a tactile output in response to the
compression.
7. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the optical
sensor is configured to detect the rotation of the input button
using light reflected from a surface of the stem.
8. The wearable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the optical
sensor detects trackable features formed on the surface of the stem
using the reflected light.
9. A watch, comprising: an enclosure having an aperture formed in a
sidewall of the enclosure; an input button having a stem that
extends into the aperture; a sealing element positioned around the
stem and forming a seal between the enclosure and the stem; an
optical sensor configured to sense an optical characteristic of the
stem to detect a rotation of the input button about a longitudinal
axis of the stem; and a switch including a collapsible dome and
configured to detect a translation of the input button toward the
enclosure, wherein: the sealing element is configured to move
within the aperture and maintain the seal during both the
translation of the input button and the rotation of the input
button.
10. The watch of claim 9, further comprising: a display positioned
at least partially within the enclosure and having a touch sensor
configured to detect touch input; a processing element operatively
coupled to the display and configured to: modify a graphical output
of the display in response to the rotation of the input button;
modify the graphical output of the display in response to the
translation of the input button; and modify the graphical output of
the display in response to the touch input.
11. The watch of claim 9, further comprising: a processing element
configured to: perform a first function in response to the rotation
of the input button; and perform a second, different function in
response to the translation of the input button.
12. The watch of claim 11, further comprising: a display
operatively coupled to the processing element; wherein: the first
function includes causing a list of items to scroll across the
display in accordance with a direction of the rotation of the input
button; and the second function includes selecting one of the list
of items in accordance with the translation of the input button
toward the enclosure.
13. The watch of claim 12, wherein: the optical sensor is further
configured to detect a speed of the rotation; and a scrolling speed
of the scrolling varies in accordance with the speed of the
rotation of the input button.
14. The watch of claim 9, wherein the switch comprises: an
electronic contact connected to the collapsible dome, wherein the
translation of the input button causes a compression of the
collapsible dome to activate the electronic contact.
15. The watch of claim 9, wherein the optical sensor is configured
to detect the rotation of the input button using light reflected
from the stem.
16. The watch of claim 9, wherein the input button comprises: a
head coupled to a first end of the stem; and the switch is
positioned proximate to a second end of the stem.
17. A wearable electronic device, comprising: an enclosure defining
an aperture and an opening; a display at least partially received
within the opening; an input button extending from an outside of
the enclosure, through the aperture, and into an inside of the
enclosure; an optical sensing element within the enclosure and
configured to sense a surface of the input button; a switch having
a collapsible dome positioned proximate to an end of the input
button; and a sealing element positioned within the aperture and
around a portion of the input button, wherein: the optical sensing
element is operable to track a rotation of the input button about
an axis by sensing the surface of the input button; the switch is
operable to detect a translation of the input button along the
axis; and the sealing element is configured to maintain a seal
between the input button and the enclosure during both the rotation
of the input button and the translation of the input button.
18. The wearable electronic device of claim 17, wherein: the
display includes a touch sensor configured to detect touch input;
and the wearable electronic device further comprises a processing
element operatively coupled to the display and configured to:
modify a graphical output of the display in response to the
rotation of the input button; modify the graphical output of the
display in response to the translation of the input button; and
modify the graphical output of the display in response to the touch
input.
19. The wearable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the optical
sensing element is operable to detect a direction and a speed of
the rotation of the input button.
20. The wearable electronic device of claim 19, wherein a graphical
output of the display is varied in accordance with the direction
and the speed of the rotation of the input button.
Description
FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and,
more specifically, to input devices for computing devices.
BACKGROUND
Many types of electronic devices, such as smart phones, gaming
devices, computers, watches, and the like, use input devices, such
as buttons or switches to receive user input. However, the
enclosure for the devices includes an aperture or other opening to
allow the button or switch (or other selectable item) to move.
These apertures allow water, air, and other environmental items to
enter into the enclosure and potentially damage the internal
electronics. Additionally, many input devices, such as buttons or
switches, may allow for a single type of input. For example,
actuating a button may transmit one type of signal, which is
generated by compressing a dome switch that completes a circuit. As
electronic devices reduce in size, it may be desirable to have
fewer input buttons or devices, without reducing functionality or
the number of input types that can be used by a user to provide
information to a device.
SUMMARY
One example of the present disclosure includes a wearable
electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes an
enclosure having a sidewall with a button aperture defined
therethrough, a processing element housed within the enclosure, a
sensing element in communication with the processing element, and
an input device at least partially received within the button
aperture and in communication with the sensing element, the input
device configured to receive at least a first and a second type of
user input. Generally, the sensing element is operative to track a
movement of the input button and output a signal and the processing
element is operative to distinguish between the first and second
type of user input, based on the signal.
Another example of the disclosure includes a watch. The watch
includes a hub or watch face. The hub includes a processor, a
sensing element, and a crown. The crown includes a trackable
element and the sensing element is configured to sense movement of
the crown by tracking the movements of the trackable element. The
watch also includes a strap connected to the hub and configured to
wrap around a portion of a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a wearable electronic device including
a multi-input device.
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the wearable electronic
device.
FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the wearable electronic device
taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a crown or input button of the
wearable electronic device.
FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the wearable electronic device
taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the input button including a
first example of a retention component.
FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the input button including a second
example of a retention component.
FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the wearable device including two
sensing elements positioned within the cavity of the enclosure.
FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of an example of an input button
with the trackable element configured to detect movement of the
shaft.
FIG. 10 is a cross-section view the wearable device including
another example of the sensing element and trackable element.
FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of an input button including an
electrical connection between the enclosure and internal components
of the wearable device and the input button.
FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the input button including an
input sensor.
FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the input
button including a switch sensor positioned parallel to the
stem.
FIG. 13B is a cross-section view of the input button illustrated in
FIG. 13A with a force being applied to the head.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the input
button illustrated in FIG. 13A.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the input button including a
motor.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the input button including an
input sensor connected to the head.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the input button of FIG. 16
including apertures defined through the head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In some embodiments herein, a wearable electronic device including
a multi-input button is disclosed. The wearable electronic device
may be a watch, portable music player, health monitoring device,
computing or gaming device, smart phone, or the like. In some
embodiments, the wearable electronic device is a watch that can be
worn around the wrist of a user. In embodiments, the multi-input
button forms a crown for the watch and is connected to a sidewall
of an enclosure for the device. The multi-input button can be
pressed to input a first type of input and can be rotated to input
a second type of input. Additionally, in some instances, the button
can be pressed on or off axis to activate a third input.
In a specific implementation, the wearable device includes a rotary
encoder to detect rotation of the multi-input button, as well as a
sensor that receives non-rotational type inputs. In one embodiment,
the wearable device includes an enclosure and a flange or head
extending from the enclosure. The head or crown is connected to a
spindle or stem, which is received within the enclosure and a
trackable element or encoder is attached to a bottom end of the
spindle. The head extends from the enclosure and as the head is
rotated, such as due to a user turning the head, the trackable
element on the bottom of the stem rotates, passing over a rotary
sensor contained within the enclosure. The rotary sensor senses
movement of the stem and the head. Additionally, the stem may be
movably (e.g., slidably) connected to the enclosure such that the
user can press the head and the stem can move a predetermined
distance. In this example, a switch (such as a tactile switch) or a
sensor, can detect vertical or horizontal movement of the stem. In
this manner, the multi-input button can detect rotational inputs,
as well as compression-type inputs.
The stem and other portions of the multi-input button may include
sealing members, such as O-rings, seal cups, or membrane seals that
seal certain components of the wearable device from environmental
elements, such as water. The stem and the enclosure aperture may be
selected such that the stem may move within the enclosure without
breaking the seal or otherwise creating a flow pathway into the
internal component held within the enclosure. As an example, the
stem may have a slightly smaller diameter than the enclosure
aperture and an O-ring may be received around the stem within the
enclosure aperture. In this example, the O-ring is a compressible
material, such as foam, that can be compressed when a user exerts a
force. As one side of the O-ring compresses due to the user force,
the other side can expand to increase, maintain a seal of the
enclosure aperture around the stem. This allows the stem to move
within the enclosure diameter, without unsealing a pathway into the
enclosure.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the multi-input button can be
actuated to provide haptic feedback to a user. For example, in
embodiments where the stem is movable within the enclosure a
device, such as an actuator, may move the stem. When actuated, the
stem may selectively move the head to provide feedback to a
user.
Turning now to the figures, an illustrative wearable electronic
device will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 1 is a top plan
view of a wearable electronic device. FIG. 2 is a simplified block
diagram of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1. With reference
to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wearable electronic device 100 may include a
hub 102 or computing center or element. In embodiments where the
electronic device 100 is configured to be worn by a user, the
device 100 may include one or more straps 104, 106 that may connect
to opposite sides of the hub 102. Each of the straps 104, 106 may
wrap around a portion of a wrist, arm, leg, chest, or other portion
of a user's body to secure the hub 102 to the user. For example,
the ends of each of the straps 104, 106 may be connected together
by a fastening mechanism 108. The fastening mechanism 108 can be
substantially any type of fastening device, such as, but not
limited, to, as lug, hook and loop structure, magnetic fasteners,
snaps, buttons, clasps or the like. However, in one embodiment,
such as the one shown in FIG. 1, the fastening mechanism 108 is a
buckle including a prong 134 or element that can be inserted into
one or more apertures 112 in the second strap 106 to secure the
first and second straps 104, 106 together.
The hub 102 of the wearable electronic device generally contains
the computing and processing elements of the wearable electronic
device 100. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section view of the hub 102
taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the
hub 102 may include a display 116 at least partially surrounded by
an enclosure 114. In some embodiments, the display 116 may form a
face of the hub 102 and the enclosure 114 may abut the edges and/or
a portion of the backside of the display 116. Additionally, the
internal components of the wearable device 100 may be contained
within the enclosure 114 between the display 116 and the enclosure
114. The enclosure 114 protects the internal components of the hub
102, as well as connects the display 116 to the hub 102.
The enclosure 114 may be constructed out of a variety of materials,
such as, but not limited to, plastics, metals, alloys, and so on.
The enclosure 114 includes a button aperture 172 (see FIG. 3) to
receive the input button 110 or a portion thereof. The button
aperture 172 forms a channel within a sidewall 188 of the enclosure
114 and extends from an outer surface 188 of the enclosure 114 to
an interior surface 190. The button aperture 172 generally is
configured to correspond to a size/shape of, or accept, a stem or
spindle of the input button 110. That said, the button aperture 172
may be otherwise shaped and sized.
The enclosure 114 may also include a groove 186 defined on a top
surface to receive the display 116. With reference to FIGS. 1 and
3, the display 116 may be connected to the enclosure 114 through
adhesive or other fastening mechanisms. In this example, the
display is seated within a recessed portion or groove of the
enclosure and the enclosure extends at least partially around the
edges of the display and may be fastened or affixed thereto, but
may leave at least a portion of the rear of the display free or
unsupported by the housing. However, in other embodiments, the
display and enclosure may be otherwise connected together.
The display 116 may be substantially any type of display screen or
device that can provide a visual output for the wearable device
100. As an example, the display 116 may be a liquid crystal
display, a light emitting diode display, or the like. Additionally,
the display 116 may also be configured to receive a user input,
such as a multi-touch display screen that receives user inputs
through capacitive sensing elements. In many embodiments, the
display 116 may be dynamically variable; however, in other
embodiments, the display 116 may be a non-electronic component,
such as a painted faceplate, that may not dynamically change.
The display 116 may show a plurality of icons 118, 120 or other
graphics that are selectively modifiable. As an example, a first
graphic 118 may include a time graphic that changes its characters
to represent the time changes, e.g., numbers to represent hours,
minutes, and seconds. A second graphic 120 may include a
notification graphic, such as, battery life, messages received, or
the like. The two graphics 118, 120 may be positioned substantially
anywhere on the display 116 and may be varied as desired.
Additionally, the number, size, shape, and other characteristics of
the graphics 118, 120 may be changed as well.
The input button 110 extends from and attaches to or passes through
the enclosure 114. The input button 110 will be discussed in more
detail below, but generally allows a user to provide input to the
wearable electronic device 100, as well as optionally provide
haptic feedback to a user.
With reference to FIG. 2, the wearable electronic device includes a
plurality of internal processing or computing elements. For
example, the wearable electronic device 100 may include a power
source 122, one or more processing elements 124, a memory component
128, one or more sensors 126, and an input/output component 130.
Each of the internal components may be received within the
enclosure 114 and may be in communication through one or more
systems buses 132, traces, printed circuit boards, or other
communication mechanisms.
The power source 122 provides power to the hub 102 and other
components of the wearable device 100. The power source 122 may be
a battery or other portable power element. Additionally, the power
source 122 may be rechargeable or replaceable.
The processing element 124 or processor is substantially any type
of device that can receive and execute instructions. For example,
the processing element 124 may be a processor, microcomputer,
processing unit or group of processing units or the like.
Additionally, the processing element 124 may include one or more
processors and in some embodiments may include multiple processing
elements.
The one or more sensors 126 may be configured to sense a number of
different parameters or characteristics that may be used to
influence one or more operations of the wearable electronic device
100. For example, the sensors 126 may include accelerometers,
gyroscopes, capacitive sensors, light sensors, image sensors,
pressure or force sensors, or the like. As will be discussed in
more detail below, one or more of the sensors 126 may be used in
conjunction with the input button 110 or separate therefrom, to
provide user input to the hub 102.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the memory component 128 stores
electronic data that may be utilized by the wearable device 100.
For example, the memory component 128 may store electrical data or
content e.g., audio files, video files, document files, and so on,
corresponding to various applications. The memory 128 may be, for
example, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical
storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory,
random access memory, erasable programmable memory, or flash
memory.
The input/output interface 130 may receive data from a user or one
or more other electronic devices. Additionally, the input/output
interface 130 may facilitate transmission of data to a user or to
other electronic devices. For example, the input/output interface
130 may be used to receive data from a network, or may be used to
send and transmit electronic signals via a wireless or wired
connection (Internet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet being a few
examples). In some embodiments, the input/output interface 130 may
support multiple network or communication mechanisms. For example,
the network/communication interface 130 may pair with another
device over a Bluetooth network to transfer signals to the other
device, while simultaneously receiving data from a WiFi or other
network.
The input button 110 will now be discussed in more detail. With
reference to FIG. 3, the input button 110 includes a head 148 and a
stem 150 or spindle. The stem 150 is received into the button
aperture 172 defined in the enclosure 114 and the head 148 extends
outwards from the stem 150 outside of the enclosure 114. In
embodiments where the wearable electronic device 100 is a watch,
the input button 110 forms a crown for the watch, with head 148
acting as a user engagement surface to allow the user to rotate,
pull, and/or push the crown 110 or input button.
With reference to FIG. 1, the head 148 is generally a flange shaped
member that may have a cylindrical body and a rounded or flat top.
Additionally, the head 148 may optionally include a plurality of
ridges 202 or other tactile features. The ridges 202 may enhance
the friction between a user's finger or fingers and the head 148,
making it easier for the user to rotate or pull the head 148, and
may provide indicators to a user (similar to mile markers on a
road) that allow a user to determine the number of rotations. For
example, the head 148 may include a ridge 202 every quarter around
the outer surface of the head 148 that can indicate to a user when
the head has rotated 90 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the
ridge 202 may be omitted or other features may be used.
With reference again to FIG. 3, the stem 150 may be a generally
cylindrically shaped member and may extend from the head 148. The
head 148 and the stem 150 may be integrally formed or may be
discrete components that are fixedly attached together. The stem
150 may also include a sealing groove 152 defined around a portion
of its outer circumference. The sealing groove 152 is configured to
receive a sealing member, such as an O-ring 154 or seal cup. In
some embodiments, the stem 150 has a longer length than a length of
the button aperture 172. In this manner, opposite ends of the stem
150 extend from either side of the button aperture 172. In these
embodiments, the head 148 may be spatially separated from the outer
surface of the enclosure by the length of the stem 150 that extends
outward from the outer end of the button aperture. However, in
other embodiments the stem 150 may have a length that is
substantially the same as a length of the button aperture 172 or
may be shorter than a length of the button aperture 172. In the
later example, one or more portions of the sensing circuitry
(disused in more detail below) may be positioned directly beneath
the button aperture 172 or partially within the button aperture
172.
The input button 110 includes a trackable element 146 or encoder
positioned on a bottom of the stem 150. FIG. 4 is a bottom plan
view of the button 110. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the
trackable element 146 may be connected to a bottom end of the stem
150 or may be connected to or defined on the outer surface of the
stem 150. The trackable element 146 interacts with a sensing
element 142 to allow the sensing element 162 to track movement of
the stem 150 by tracking movement of the trackable element 146. As
such, the trackable element 146 is connected to the stem 150 such
that as the stem 150 moves or rotates, such as due to a user input
to the head 148, the trackable element 146 will move
correspondingly.
The position, size, and type of material for the trackable element
146 may be varied based on the sensing element 142, which as
discussed below may track different types of parameters, such as,
but not limited to, optical characteristics, magnetic
characteristics, mechanical characteristics, electrical
characteristics, or capacitive characteristics. As such, the
trackable element 146 can be modified to enhance tracking of the
stem 150.
With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the
trackable element 146 is a magnet, either permanent or
electromagnetic. In this embodiment, the trackable element 146 may
be a cylindrical disc including a first pole 182 and a second pole
184. The first pole 182 may be the north pole of the trackable
element 146 and the second pole 184 may be the south pole of the
trackable element 146. The two poles 182, 184 may be diametrically
opposed, such that half of the trackable element 146 forms the
first pole 182 and other half of the trackable element 146 forms
the second pole 184, with the two poles 182, 184 forming
half-circle shapes. In other words, the bottom face of the
trackable element 146 is split in polarity along its diameter.
In some embodiments, the trackable element may include two or more
magnets positioned around the perimeter of the stem 150. In these
embodiments, the rotational sensor may be positioned within the
button aperture to track rotation of the stem 150.
The sensing element 142 and corresponding structures will now be
discussed in more detail. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-section view
of the wearable electronic device taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the sensing element 142 is
supported within the enclosure 114 and is configured to detect
rotational, vertical, and/or lateral movements of the button 110.
The sensing element 142 may be supported on a substrate 166 and
includes one or more sensors. For example, the sensing element 142
may include rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d and a switch
sensor 160. The rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d and the
switch sensor 160 may be positioned within a compartment 212 or
other enclosure. The compartment 212 is supported on the substrate
166 by a contact floor 170 that forms a bottom of the sensing
element 142. The compartment 212 and the contact floor 170 define a
cavity 164 in which the sensors are received.
The rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d are configured to
detect rotation of the stem 150 or other portions of the crown or
button 110. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the
rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d may be magnetic sensors
that detect changes in magnetic polarity. For example, the rotation
sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d may be Hall-effect sensors. In other
words, the rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d may be
transducers that vary an output signal in response to a magnetic
field. In another example, the rotational sensor and/or switch
sensor may be an optical sensor and the trackable element may
include one or more markings or visible indicators that can be used
by the optical sensor to track movement of the stem 150.
In some embodiments, the trackable element may be positioned on the
head 148 or exterior portion of the button 110. In these
embodiments, the rotational sensor may be in communication (either
optically or magnetically) with the input button 110 through the
housing or enclosure 114. For example, the enclosure may include a
transparent portion or window and an optical sensor may track
movement of the crown through the window.
In some examples, the rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d may
be spaced apart from one another and located at opposite quadrants
of the sensing element 142. This allows the rotation sensors 210a,
210b, 210c, 210d to track rotation of the trackable element 146 as
it enters and exits each quadrant or section of the sensing
element. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments,
there may be only two sensors that may be used to track larger
rotational distances of the trackable element 146.
The rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d may be in-plane with
one another or may be out of plane with one another. With reference
to FIG. 5, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the
rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d are aligned in plane with
one another.
Additionally, although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 shows
four rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, there may be fewer or
more sensors. For example, only two sensors may be used or more
than two force sensors may be used. The additional sensors may
provide additional information, such as orientation and/or speed,
as well as provide redundancy to reduce error. However, using only
two sensors may allow the sensing element 142 to detect rotation of
the stem 150, without additional components, which may reduce cost
and manufacturing complexities of the wearable device 100.
However, in other embodiments, the rotation sensors 210a, 210b,
210c, 210d may sense parameters other than magnetic fields. For
example, the rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d may be optical
sensors (e.g., image or light sensors), capacitive sensors,
electrical contacts, or the like. In these embodiments, the number,
orientation, position, and size of the rotation sensors may be
varied as desired.
The switch sensor 160 includes an electrical contact element 168, a
collapsible dome 214 and a tip 158. The electrical contact element
168 interacts with a contact element on the floor 170 to indicate
when the switch sensor 160 has been activated. For example, when
the contact element 168 contacts the floor 170, a circuit may be
completed, a signal may be stimulated of created, or the like. The
dome 214 is a resilient and flexible material that collapses or
flexes upon a predetermined force level. The dome 214 may be a thin
metal dome, a plastic dome, or other may be constructed from other
materials. The dome 214 may produce an audible sound, as well as an
opposing force, in response to a collapsing force exerted by a
user. The audible sound and opposing force provide feedback to a
user when a user compresses the dome 214. The tip 158 is connected
to the dome 214 and when a force is applied to the tip 158, the tip
158 is configured to collapse the dome 214.
Although the switch sensor 160 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 as
being a tactile switch, many other sensors are envisioned. For
example, the switch sensor 160 may be a magnetic sensor, a
capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. In a
specific example, the switch sensor 160 may be capacitive sensor
and can detect changes in capacitance as the button 110 is pressed
by a user and the stem 150 moves closer to the sensor 160. As such,
the discussion of any particular embodiment is meant as
illustrative only.
It should be noted that the sensing element 142 including the
rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d and the switch sensor 160
may be an integrated sensing component or package that may be
installed into the hub 102 as one component. Alternatively, the
rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d and the switch sensors 160
may be discrete components that maybe installed as separate
components, and may include their own seals, substrates, and the
like. Moreover, the wearable electronic device 100 may include only
a single sensor, such as either the rotational sensor or the switch
sensor.
With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the sensing element 142
is surrounded by a seal 144. The seal 144, which may be pressure
sensitive adhesive, heat activated film, silicone, or other sealing
materials, is positioned around a perimeter of the compartment 212.
For example, the seal 144 may be a rectangular shaped element that
extends around a perimeter of the compartment 212 and sealing
member. The seal 144 defines an opening allowing the rotation
sensors and the switch sensor to be in communication with the
trackable element 146 and stem 150. A membrane 156 or flexible seal
extends over the opening and is positioned over the sensing element
142. The membrane 156 acts along with the seal 144 to prevent
water, debris, and other elements from reaching the sensing element
142. For example, water and other elements may travel through the
button aperture 172 within the enclosure 114, but due to the
membrane and the seal 144 may not reach the sensing element 142 and
other internal components of the wearable electronic device 100. As
another example, in some embodiments, the button 110 may be
removable and the seal 144 and membrane 156 prevent water and other
elements from damaging the sensing element 142 and/or other
internal components of the wearable device 100 while the crown or
button is removed.
With reference to FIG. 5, the tip 158 of switch sensor 160 may be
positioned above the membrane 156, with a sealing ring 216 sealing
the membrane 156 against the sidewalls of the tip 158. In these
embodiments, the membrane 156 may be flexible and allow the tip 158
to move vertically without ripping or otherwise compromising the
seal of the membrane.
Operation of the input button 110 will now be discussed in further
detail. With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, to provide a first
input to the wearable input device 100, the user applies a push
force F to the head 148 of the crown or button 110. As the force F
is exerted against the head 148, the head and the steam 150 move
laterally along the length of the button aperture 172 in the
direction of the force F, towards the internal cavity 139 defined
by the enclosure 114. As the stem 150 moves into the cavity 139,
the bottom end of the stem 150, in some instances, the trackable
element 146, transfers at least a portion of the force F to the tip
158.
In response to the force F on the tip 158, the dome 214 collapses,
moving the contact 168 into communication with a contact (not
shown) on the floor 170. As the dome collapses 214, the user is
provided feedback (e.g., through the audible sound of the dome
collapsing or the mechanical feel of the dome collapsing). As the
contact 168 registers an input, a signal is produced and
transmitted to the processing element 124. The processing element
124 then uses the signal to register a user input. It should be
noted that in embodiments where the switch sensor 160 is positioned
off-axis from the stem 150 (discussed in more detail below), the
force F may be angled as shown by angled force AF. This angled
force AF may be registered as a second user input, in addition to
the on-axis force F.
In some embodiments, the button aperture may be sufficiently large
that the switch sensor 120 can be activated by the angled force AF,
even when the switch sensor is positioned beneath the stem 150 as
shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the angled force AF or other
off-axis force may activate the input button 110 when the
frictional engagement of the stem 150 with the button aperture 172
sidewall is insufficient to resist the angled force AF. As the
angle increases, the frictional force acting on the stem increases
and by varying the size of the stem and/or button aperture, a
predetermined angle range may be selected for which the angled
force AF can activate the switch. For example, a maximum angle of
the input force can be selected and when the force is below that
angle, the angled force can activate the switch 120 and when the
angled force is at or above the maximum angle, the input button may
not be activated. As an example, a force applied to the input
button at an angle up to 30 or 45 degrees may be able to activate
the switch sensor 120.
Additionally, the input button 110 can register rotational inputs.
For example, if a user applies a rotation force R to the head 148,
the head 148 and stem 150 rotate. As the stem 150 rotates, the
trackable element 146 rotates correspondingly. The rotation sensors
210a, 210b, 210c, 210d track movement of the trackable element 146
and produce signals that are transmitted to the processing element
124, which may use signals to determine the rotation speed and
direction.
With reference to FIGS. 3-5 in embodiments where the rotation
sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d are Hall effect sensors and the
trackable element 146 is a magnet, the sensors 210a, 210b, 210c,
210d may use the changes in magnetic field to determine rotation.
With reference to FIG. 5, as the stem 150 rotates due to the
rotation force R (see FIG. 1), the trackable element 146 rotates
along the rotation axis therewith. As the trackable element 146
rotates the two poles 182, 184 rotate over (or near) each of the
rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, causing the rotation
sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d to detect a change in the magnetic
field.
The changes in magnetic field can be used by the processing element
124 to determine rotation speed and direction the trackable element
146 (and thus stem 150). In this manner, the user may apply a
rotational input to the button 110, which may be detected by the
sensing element 142. It should be noted that in some embodiments,
the speed and/or direction of the user input may be used to
activate different applications and/or may be provided as separate
input types of the processing element 124. For example, rotation in
a first direction at a first speed may correlate to a first type of
input and rotation in a second direction at a second speed may
correlate to a second input, and rotation in the first direction at
the second speed may be a third input. In this manner, multiple
user inputs can be detectable through the crown of the wearable
input device 100.
As described above, in some embodiments, the rotation sensors 210a,
210b, 210c, 210d may be Hall effect sensors that vary an output
signal in response to a change in a magnetic field, e.g., as the
trackable element 146 changes orientation with respect to each of
the sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d. In these embodiments, the
rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d typically draw current from
the power source 122 when activated. Thus, the sensors 210a, 210b,
210c, 210d may constantly draw power when searching for a user
input to the input button 110.
However, in some embodiments it may be desirable to reduce power
consumption of the wearable electronic device 100. For example, it
may be desirable for the power source 122 to provide power to the
device 100 for multiple days without recharging. In these
embodiments, the sensing element 142 can include an inductor near
the trackable element 146 or other magnetic element attached to the
crown. The inductor will generate a current when the trackable
element 146 moves (such as due to a user input to the input button
110). The induced current may be used as a wake or interrupt signal
to the sensing element 142. The sensing element 142 may then
activate the rotation sensors 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d to allow
better rotational sensing for the position of the stem 150.
In the above embodiment, the wearable input device 100 may detect
user inputs during zero power or low-power sleep modes. Thus, the
life of the power source 122 may be enhanced, while not reducing
the functionality of the device 100. Moreover, the induced current
could be used to get direction and/or rotational velocity
measurements as the trackable element 146 is moved. For example,
the current direction and voltage induced by the inductor may be
used to determine rotational direction and speed.
In yet another embodiment, the sensing element 142 may include a
magnet or magnetic element as the trackable element 146 and the
rotation sensor may include an inductor. In this example, as the
magnet is moved relative to the inductor, a current is induced
within the inductor, which as described above could be used to
determine rotational speed and/or velocity. In this manner, the
sensing element 142 may not require much, if any, power while still
tracking user inputs to the input button 110 or crown.
With reference to FIG. 3, the switch sensor 160 has been
illustrated as being positioned on-axis with the stem 150 of the
input button 110. However, in other embodiments, the switch sensor
160 may be positioned perpendicular to the stem 150 and/or
otherwise angled relative to the stem 150. In these embodiments,
the switch sensor 160 can sense off-axis movement, such as a user
pressing the head 148 downward at a 45 degree angle. For example,
the switch sensor 160 may be positioned within the button aperture
172 and/or adjacent the opening of the button aperture 172 into the
enclosure 114 and may track movement of the stem 150 vertically
(relative to FIG. 3) within the button aperture 172.
In other embodiments, the wearable device 100 may include both on
and off axis switch sensors to detect various types of user inputs.
For example, the user may press the top end of the head 148 to
force the stem 150 inwards towards the enclosure 114, which may be
registered by the on-axis switch. As another example, the user may
press the head 148 downward at an angle relative to the button
aperture 172. The stem 150 may be pushed towards an inner wall of
the button aperture 172 (in which the switch sensor may be
positioned), allowing the switch sensor to detect that movement as
well. In this example, the button click may be activated by
pressing the crown vertically downwards and/or at an angle.
Alternatively, the switch sensor 160 may be activated through a
pivot point. In other words, the input to the crown or input button
110 may be on-axis, off-axis, perpendicular to the rotation
direction, and/or a combination of the different input types.
In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device 100 may include
components that may be used to retain the input button within the
button aperture 172. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate cross-section views
of examples of retention components for the input button. With
initial reference to FIG. 6, in a first example, the wearable
electronic device 100 may include a clip 143 that connects to a
bottom end of the stem 150. For example, the clip 143 may be a
C-clip that is received around a portion of the stem 150. In this
example, the clip 143 allows the stem 150 to rotate within the
button aperture 172, but prevents the stem 150 from being removed
from the button aperture 712. The clip 143 may have a larger
diameter than the button aperture 172 to prevent removal of the
input button 110 from the button aperture 172 or may be secured to
the enclosure 114 in a manner that prevents the input button from
being removed.
The stem 150 may also include a groove or other detent that
receives the retaining element 143. In this example, the retaining
element 143 clips into position and is secured to the stem 150. As
another example, the retaining element 143 may be a bearing, such
as a ball bearing, that is received around the outer surface of
them stem. In this embodiment, the bearing may have a low friction
connection to the stem 150, to allow the stem 150 to rotate, but
may have an increased diameter as compared to the stem 150, which
helps to secure the stem in position relative to the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the trackable element 146 may also act as a
retaining element for the input button 110. For example, the clip
143 in FIG. 6 may be a diametric magnet that may be detectable by
the sensing element 142. In other example, with reference to FIG.
7, in another example, the retaining element may be a retaining
magnet 145. In this example, the retaining magnet 145 may be formed
integrally with the stem 150 or connected to a bottom end thereof.
The retaining magnet 145 may have a diameter that is substantially
the same as the diameter of the stem 150, which allows the input
button 110 to be inserted into the button aperture 172 with the
retaining magnet 145 connected thereto. In this embodiment, the
trackable element 146 is a second magnet that is positioned within
the cavity 139 defined by the enclosure 114. The trackable element
146 includes an opposite polarization from the retaining magnet at
least on a side that interfaces with the retaining magnet 145. For
example, the retaining magnet 145 may be a plate with magnetic
properties, such as, but not limited to, a steel or metal plate, a
ferromagnetic material, or the like. In this manner, the trackable
element 146 and the retaining magnet 145 may experience an
attractive force towards one another.
In some embodiments, the trackable element 146 may be separated
from the retaining magnet 145 by a gap. In these embodiments, the
gap may be sufficiently dimensioned such that the retaining magnet
145 is able to interact with the trackable element 146 and cause
the trackable element 146 to move therewith. Alternatively, the
trackable element 146 may be positioned against a surface of the
retaining magnet 145
Due the varying polarizations, the trackable element 146 attracts
the retaining magnet 145 pulling the input button 110 into the
cavity 139. The trackable element 146 may have a diameter
configured to retain the button 110 within the button aperture 172.
For example, the trackable element 146 may have a larger diameter
than a diameter of the button aperture 172 and larger than a
diameter of the retaining magnet 145. In these embodiments, the
attraction between the retaining magnet and the trackable element
may secure the two elements together, and prevent the stem 150 from
being pulled through the button aperture, at least because the
diameter of the trackable element may be larger than the button
aperture.
In some embodiments, the trackable element 146 may also be
detectable by the sensing element 142. For example, because the
trackable element 146 may be configured to retain the steam 150
within the button aperture 172, the larger diameter of the
trackable element 146, as compared to the trackable element shown
in FIG. 3 (which may have approximately the same diameter of the
stem) may allow the sensing element 142 to more easily track
movement of the trackable element 142. That is, the trackable
element in this example may have a larger surface area that may be
tracked by the sensing element 142, allowing the sensing element
142 to more easily detect its movements.
With continued reference to FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the
trackable element 146 rotates with the retaining magnet 145. For
example, as the stem rotates, the retaining magnet 145, which is
connected to the stem 150, rotates. Continuing with this example,
due to the magnetic force between the trackable element 146 and the
retaining magnet 145, the trackable element 146 rotates with the
stem 150. In these embodiments, the retaining magnet 145 may act to
retain the stem 150 to the trackable element 146 and because of the
increased size of the trackable element 146 as compared to the
retaining magnet 145, the trackable element 146 retains the button
110 within the button aperture 172. The trackable element 146 then
interacts with the sensing element 142 to allow the user inputs to
the input button 110 to be detected.
The retaining elements shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are meant as
illustrative only. Many other types of retaining elements are
envisioned that may be used to connect the input button to the
enclosure 114, e.g., flanges, fasteners (such as screws), or the
like. In embodiments where the input button includes a retaining
element, the input button may have a better "feel" to the user as
it may feel less "squishy," which can detract from the user
experience. Additionally, the retaining elements 143, 145 help to
reduce water, fluid, and other debris from entering into the cavity
139 through the button aperture 172. In other words, because the
input button 110 may be securely connected to the enclosure 114,
certain elements can be blocked by the button or the retaining
member and prevented from entering into the cavity 139 via the
button aperture 172. Moreover, the retaining elements may help to
prevent the input button from becoming disconnected from the
electronic device.
In some embodiments, the sensing element may be spatially separated
from the trackable element and/or positioned out of series with the
movement of the stem. FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the
wearable device including two sensing elements positioned within
the cavity of the enclosure. With reference to FIG. 6, in this
embodiment, the sensing element 342 may include a first
magnetometer 348 and a second magnetometer 350. Each magnetometer
348, 350 is configured to sense magnetic fields and optionally the
direction of any sensed magnetic field. As one example, each
magnetometer 348, 350 may include three Hall effect sensors, each
of which may be used to sense a particular magnetic field vector.
In other words, each Hall effect sensor in the magnetometers 348,
350 may be configured to measure components in at least one
direction, e.g., X, Y, and Z. In this example, each Hall effect
sensor may be oriented perpendicularly relative to the other Hall
effect sensors. The magnetic field vectors detected by each Hall
effect sensor can be combined to determine an overall vector length
and/or direction for one or more magnetic fields.
The magnetometers 348, 350 may be connected to a substrate 366, an
internal wall of the enclosure 114, or another support structure.
Optionally, a shielding element 368 may be positioned around at
least a portion of the magnetometer 348, 350. For example, in one
embodiment both magnetometers 348, 350 may be positioned beneath
the display 116 and the shielding element 368 may reduce
interference and noise between the sensing element 342 and the
display 116. However, in other embodiments, the shielding element
368 may be omitted or differently configured.
With continued reference to FIG. 8 in some embodiments, the two
magnetometers 348, 350 may be spaced apart by a distance D from one
another. The distance D may be used to determine user input to the
input button 310, and in particular movement of the trackable
element 142. In some embodiments, the distance D may be selected
such that the magnetometers 348, 350 may be able to sense movement
of the trackable element 146, as well as sensing the Earth's
magnetic field, which allows the magnetometers to be used as a
compass. In other words, the distance D may be sufficiently small
such that the Earth's magnetic field may be experienced by both
magnetometers in substantially the same manner, but may be
sufficiently large that movement of the trackable element may be
experienced differently by each magnetometer.
In operation, the sensing element 342 including the magnetometers
348, 350 detects changes in a local magnetic field due to the
varying position of the trackable element 146. That is, as the user
rotates or otherwise provides an input to the input button 310, the
trackable element 146 varies its position relative to the sensing
element 342, causing a change in at least one component of the
magnetic field. In embodiments where the trackable element 146
includes a magnetic component, varying the position of the
trackable element 146 relative to the magnetometers 348, 350 causes
the magnetometers to detect a change in the magnetic field. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the distance D between the two
magnetometers 348, 350 is known and thus the delta or difference
between the signals of the two magnetometers 348, 350 can be
determined. This delta can then be used to determine the position
of the trackable element 146. In particular, the signals from each
magnetometer may be processed using the known distance D and the
signals may then be correlated to the user input.
In some embodiments, the two magnetometers 348, 350 may be
configured to detect the magnitude of the magnetic field of the
trackable element 146, as well as the direction. In this manner,
the processing element 124, which is in communication with the
sensing element 342, can determine the user input the input button
310, e.g., the direction, speed, and distance of a rotation of the
input button, all of which may be correlated to different
parameters of the user input to the button.
In instances where the magnetometers in the electronic device can
sense both the rotation of the input button and extraneous magnetic
fields, such as the Earth's magnetic field, the encoder for the
input button may be used simultaneously with a compass function for
the electronic device 100. This may allow a user to provide input
via the input button 310, while at the same time viewing a compass
output (e.g., arrow pointing towards north) on the display 116.
In some embodiments the sensing element 342 may be calibrated to
avoid detecting magnetic fields that may be part of the wearable
electronic device 100 or components it may interacts with. For
example, in some instances a charging cable including a magnetic
attachment mechanism may be used with the electronic device. In
this example, the magnetic field of the charging cable can be
calibrated out of the sensing element 342 such that it may not
substantially affect the sensing elements 342 ability to detect the
trackable element 146.
With continued reference to FIG. 8, although the sensing element
342 of the input button 310 has been discussed as including two
magnetometers 348, 350, in some embodiments the sensing element 342
may include a single magnetometer. By including a single
magnetometer, the sensing element 342 may be less expensive to
implement as it may include fewer components. However, in these
embodiments, larger movements of the input button may be required
for the sensing element 342 to detect the user inputs, i.e., the
sensitivity may be reduced.
In some embodiments, the trackable element may detect orientation,
acceleration, or other parameters that can be used to determine a
user input. FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of an example of an
input button with the trackable element configured to detect
movement of the shaft. With reference to FIG. 9, in this embodiment
the input button 410 may be substantially similar to the input
button 110, but the trackable element 446 may be a gyroscope or
other element configured to detect changes in orientation or
acceleration. In these embodiments, the trackable element may
independently track movement of the stem 150 relative to the
enclosure 114. For example, the trackable element 446 is connected
to the shaft 150 and as the user provides an input to the button
410, the shaft rotates, and the trackable element 446 detects the
direction and speed of rotation.
The sensing element 442 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 may
include a shaft contact 458. The shaft contact 458 is electrically
connected to the trackable element 446 and receives signals
therefrom. For example, the shaft contact 458 may be a brush
contact and be to rotate, allowing the shaft contact 458 and the
trackable element 446 to be in electrical communication without
substantially restricting rotation or other movement of the shaft
150 (via the trackable element).
In operation, as a user rotates the shaft 150, for example, by
rotating the head 148, the trackable element 446 detects the
rotation. In particular, the trackable element 446 experiences the
rotation of the shaft 150 and detects the direction and speed of
rotation. The trackable element 446 then produces an electrical
signal that may be transmitted to the shaft contact 458. For
example, the shaft contact 458 brushes against the trackable
element 446 as the trackable element 446 is spinning with the shaft
150 and detects the signal produced by the trackable element
446.
The shaft contact 458 and the sensing element 442 provide the
signal from the trackable element 446 to the processing element
142. The processing element 142 may then compare the signal
detected by the trackable element 446 to a rotational signal
detected by one or more of the sensors 126 within the electronic
device 100. For example, the processing element 142 may subtract
the trackable element 446 signal from a signal from a gyroscope
sensor connected to the enclosure, logic board substrate 166, or
other element separated from the input button 410. In this manner,
the processing element 124 may determine the rotation and other
movement of the stem 150 separated from rotational movement of the
electronic device 100. For example, the wearable electronic device
100 may be moved while worn on the wrist of a user, and if the
readings from the device 100 as a whole are not subtracted from the
trackable element readings, the user input may be miscalculated.
However, in some instances the rotation experienced by the
trackable element 446 may be a sufficiently higher magnitude than
the rotation experienced by the wearable device 100 and the
processing element 124 may not need to subtract the sensor 126 data
from the data detected by the trackable element 446 to determine
the user input to the button 410.
In another example, the sensing element may detect features defined
on the shaft of the button or otherwise connected thereto. FIG. 10
is a cross-section view the wearable device including another
example of the sensing element and trackable element. With
reference to FIG. 10, in this example, input button 510 may include
a head 548 and shaft 550 extending thereof. The input button 510
may be substantially similar to the input button 110, but the
trackable element 546 may be defined around a portion of the shaft
550. For example, the trackable element 546 may be a series of
notches, ridges, or other detectable markings (e.g., paint, colors,
etc.), or other features. The trackable element 546 may be
integrally formed with the shaft 550, such as grooves or ridges
formed during manufacturing/molding, or may be a separate element
connected to shaft. In some embodiments, the trackable element 546
may extend around a portion of a bottom end of the outer surface of
the shaft 550 or the trackable element 546 may extend around the
entire outer surface of the shaft 550.
With continued reference to FIG. 10, in this example, the sensing
element 542 may be connected to the enclosure 114 and may be
positioned adjacent at least a portion of the shaft 550 and
trackable element 546. For example, the sensing element 542 may be
positioned parallel with the portion of the shaft 550 that extends
into the cavity 139 and may be anchored to the enclosure 114
surrounding the button aperture 172. In some embodiments, the
sensing element 542 may surround the entire shaft 550 of the input
button and in other embodiments the sensing element 542 may
surround only portions (e.g., positioned on opposing sides) of the
shaft.
The sensing element 542 is configured to detect movement of the
shaft 550 by detecting the trackable element 546. As one example,
the trackable element 546 may be a magnetic element and the sensing
element 542 may be a Hall effect sensor. As a second example, the
trackable element may be a colored marking and the sensing element
542 may be an optical sensor. As a third example, the trackable
element 546 may be a metallic element or other capacitive sensitive
element and the sensing element 542 may be a capacitive sensor. As
a fourth example, the trackable element 546 may be a ridge or
extension connected to the shaft and the sensing element 542 may be
a mechanical contact that is compressed or otherwise selected when
the ridge passes over it. In this example, the mechanical contact
may also be a gear or other keyed element that engages with the
trackable element 546. In particular, the trackable element 546 may
be corresponding gear or teeth that engage a mechanical element on
the enclosure 114. As the stem 550 rotates, the trackable element
546 will rotate, meshing the gears or teeth with the gears/teeth of
the enclosure 114, which may allow the sensing element to determine
movement of the stem 550.
With reference to FIG. 10, in operation, the user rotates or
provides a push input to the head 548, the stem 550 moves
correspondingly. As the stem 550 moves, the trackable element 546
rotates, translates, or otherwise moves relative to the sensing
element 542. The sensing element 542 provides a signal (or causes
another element connected thereto to provide a signal) to the
processing element, registering the user input to the input button
510.
In some embodiments, the input button may include an electrical
connection between the stem and the enclosure. FIG. 11 is a
cross-section view of an input button including an electrical
connection between the enclosure and internal components of the
wearable device and the input button. The input button 610 may be
substantially similar to the input button 110, but may include a
direct electrical connection between the stem of the input button
and the sensing element. With reference to FIG. 11, the input
button 610 may include a sensing element 642 connected to the
enclosure 114 and positioned above the aperture receiving the stem
650. The sensing element 642 may be an electrical contact or pad
that is connected to an interior sidewall 171 of the button
aperture 172. The sensing element 642 may be in communication with
the sensing element 124 via one or more connections (not shown) or
wirelessly. As another example, the sensing element may be an
optical sensor that senses light (which need not be in the visible
spectrum) from a sidewall of the shaft. The shaft may be patterned,
colored or otherwise marked so that rotation of the shaft varies
the light received by the sensing element, thereby allowing the
sensing element to detect rotation and/or translation of the
shaft.
The trackable element 646 in this embodiment may be a mechanical
brush that is positioned on the stem 650. For example, the
trackable element 646 may include brush elements 643 positioned on
an outer surface of the stem 650 at predetermined positioned.
Alternatively, the brush elements 643 may be positioned around an
entire perimeter of the outer surface of the stem 650. The
trackable element 646 may be one or more conductive elements that
interact with the sensing element 642. For example, the brush
elements 643 may be copper bristles that electrically interact with
the sensing element 642.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the
trackable element 646 may be in electrical communication with a
crown sensor 630 or an input sensor connected to the button. The
crown sensor 630 may be positioned in the head 648 and/or stem 650
of the input button 610. The crown sensor 630 may be substantially
any type of sensor, such as, but not limited to, microphone,
speaker, capacitive sensor, optical sensor, biometric sensor, or
the like. The crown sensor 630 may be positioned substantially
anywhere on the head 648 and/or stem 650 and there may be two or
more crown sensors 630 each connected to location within the input
button 610.
In operation, as a user provides an input, such as a rotational
force to the head 648, the stem 650 rotates. As the stem 650
rotates, the trackable element 646 contacts the sensing element
642. In particular, the brush elements 643 intermittently or
continuously directly contact the sensing element 642 creating an
electrical connection between the trackable element 646 and the
sensing element 642. The sensing element 642 then creates an input
signal corresponding to the sensed movement and provides the input
signal to the processing element. In some embodiments, the sensing
element 642 may sense the rotational speed and/or number of
rotations of the stem 650 based on the number of contacts created
between the brush elements 643 and the sensing element 642.
In embodiments where the input button 610 includes the crown sensor
630, the trackable element 646 may communicate one or more signals
from the crown sensor 630 to the sensing element 642 or other
components in communication with the sensing element 642 (e.g.,
processing element). As one example, the crown sensor 630 may be a
biometric sensor that detects a user's heart rate and/or regularity
and provide that data to the processing element within the
enclosure 114 via the sensing element and trackable element. As
another example, the crown sensor 630 may be a microphone and the
trackable element 646 and sensing element 642 may be used to pull
data from the microphone on the head 648 (or other location) and
provide that data to the processing element 124.
Alternatively or additionally, the sensing element 642 may transfer
power to the trackable element and the crown sensor 630. For
example, when the brush elements 643 contact the sensing element
646, the sensing element 646 may transfer current through the
connection. The current transferred between the sensing element 642
and the trackable element 646 may be used to provide power to the
crown sensor 630, as well as any other components (e.g., displays)
that are connected to the input button 610 and separated from the
cavity of the enclosure.
In some embodiments, the input button may sense a user input via
one or more sensors positioned on the head of the button. FIG. 12
is a cross-section view of the input button including an input
sensor. With reference to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the input
button 710 may be substantially similar to the input button 110,
but may include an input sensor 730 connected to or defined on the
head 748 of the button 710. The input sensor 730 may be similar to
the crown sensor 630 and may be configured to detect one or more
characteristics that may be used to detect a user input. As some
example, the input sensor 730 may include one or more capacitive
sensors, optical sensors, resistive sensors, or the like. The input
sensor 730 may determine if a user positions his or her finger on
the head 648 and if the user moves his or her finger along a
portion of the head 648 (e.g., around the exterior perimeter of the
head). In one embodiment, the input sensor 730 may include a
plurality of sensing elements positioned around the sidewalls
defining the head 748, which may be configured to detect a user
sliding his or her finger around the head 748.
The input sensor may receive power in a manner similar to the crown
sensor, or may be connected to a power source positioned with the
enclosure. For example, the input sensor may be connected via one
or more wires to a power source within the enclosure or may be
inductively coupled to a power source to receive power
wirelessly.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the input button 710, and
in particular the stem 750 and head 748, may be prevented from
rotating. In other words, the input button 710 may translate
laterally relative to the button aperture 172, but may not rotate
within the button aperture 172. In these embodiments, the user may
provide a rotational input to the wearable device by rotating his
or her finger around the head 648 (or other areas of the input
button) and the input sensor 730 detects the movement of the finger
around the head and provides the input to the processing element.
In embodiments where the input button 710 translates laterally
within the button aperture 172, the stem 750 may be pushed by a
user against the switch sensor 160 to detect a user input. For
example, the user may press against the face of the head 748 and
provide a lateral force to the input button, causing the bottom
surface 745 of the stem 750 to press against the tip 158 of the
switch sensor 160, causing the switch sensor 160 to register a user
input.
In some embodiments, the input button 710 may be fixed relative to
the enclosure 114 or may be formed integrally therewith. In these
embodiments, the input sensor 730 may detect "button press" inputs.
In other words, the input sensor 730 may detect a user input force
F applied parallel to the stem 750 or other inputs where the user
provides a lateral force to the input button. In this example, as
the user presses his or her finger against the face 747 of the head
748, the user's finger may expand as it engages the face 747 or may
conform to the shape of the face 747. As the force increases, the
user's finger may interact with more sensing elements 731 of the
input sensor 730, which may be correlated to the user input force F
by the processing element 124. For example the sensing elements 731
may be optical sensors and the user's finger may cover more sensing
elements 731 as the force F increases or the sensing elements 731
may be capacitive sensors and the user's finger may interact with
more capacitive sensors as the force increases. In these
embodiments, the sensing elements 731 may be positioned along the
face 747, as well as sidewalls of the head 748 and may be
positioned in a pattern, such as rows or circles, or may be
positioned randomly.
In some embodiments, the tactile switch positioned within the
enclosure may be positioned within a sidewall of the enclosure
surrounding the input button. These embodiments may allow
non-lateral forces, such as forces applied perpendicular to the
stem to register a user input, as well as provide a tactile
sensation to the user. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of the input button including a switch sensor positioned
parallel to the stem. FIG. 13B is a cross-section view of the input
button illustrated in FIG. 13A with a force being applied to the
head. With initial reference to FIG. 13A, in this embodiment, the
button assembly may include the input button 810 positioned within
an enclosure 814. The enclosure 814 may be substantially similar to
the enclosure 114 but may include a switch cavity 816 defined
therein. The switch cavity 860 may be formed as an extension or
pocket of the button aperture 872. As an example, a sidewall 858
defining the button aperture 872 on a first side of the button
aperture 872 may expand outwards to form a switch sidewall 860 that
defines the switch cavity 860. In these embodiments, the switch
cavity 860 may be open into a device cavity 812 defined by the
display 116 and the enclosure 814. In this manner, the switch
cavity 860 may be formed as a recess in the internal wall 868 of
the enclosure 814. However, in other embodiments, the switch cavity
may be at least partially enclosed (see, e.g., FIG. 14).
With continued reference to FIG. 13A, the input button 810 includes
a head 848 having a front face 847 and a stem 850 extending from a
bottom surface of the head 848. The head 848 may form a flange for
the end of the stem 850 and may also include a sidewall 845. The
stem 850 may include an annular recess 852 defined around an outer
surface thereof. The annular recess 852 may be defined in a middle
portion of the stem, towards an end of the stem 850, or otherwise
as desired. A sealing element 154 may be received within the
annular recess 852. The sealing element 154, as discussed above,
may be a compressible element, such as an O-ring or seal cup.
The trackable element 146 may be connected to the bottom of the
stem 850 and may be in communication with the sensing element 142.
The sensing element 142 is configured to detect movement or
rotation of the trackable element 146 to determine user inputs to
the input button 810. In some embodiments, the sensing element 142
may be aligned with the stem 850 and the button aperture 872 and
may be positioned adjacent to the bottom end of the stem. The
sensing element 142 may be supported by a substrate 866.
The button assembly illustrated in FIG. 13A may also include the
switch sensor 160. The switch sensor 160, as described in FIG. 3,
includes the dome 214 and substrate 166. However, in this
embodiment, the switch sensor 160, or at least a portion thereof,
is received within the switch enclosure 860. In particular, the
switch sensor 160 may be connected to the switch sidewall 860 but
may extend partially into the cavity 812. In this manner, the
switch sensor 160 may be connected to the substrate 866, to support
the substrate 866 and sensing element 142 within the cavity 812.
The switch sensor 160 and the switch cavity 816 may be configured
such that the tip 158 of the dome 214 may be positioned adjacent to
the outer sidewall 851 of the stem 850. In some embodiments, the
tip 158 may even be positioned against the outer sidewall 851 of
the stem 850. The distance between the tip 158 and the sidewall 851
may determine the amount of force applied to the head 848 in order
to activate the switch sensor 160. As an example, the further the
distance, the more force that may be required to activate the
switch sensor.
In operation, the user may rotate the head 848, which causes the
stem 850 to rotate correspondingly. As described in more detail
above with respect to FIG. 3, the sensing element 142 tracks the
rotation of the trackable element 146 to determine the rotation of
the stem 850. For example, the trackable element 146 may be a
magnetic element and the sensing element 142 may be a Hall effect
sensor, or another magnetic sensor that may detect movement of the
trackable element. In other embodiments, the trackable element and
the sensing element may be otherwise configured to detect user
input to the stem.
With reference to FIG. 13B, if a user applies a force F to the
sidewall 845 of the head 848 that angled relative to the button
aperture 872, the head 848 may deflect in downwards relative to the
button aperture 872. Although the stem 850 is illustrated as
impacting or deflecting the enclosure 814 in FIG. 13B, it should be
appreciated that the deflection of the stem may be exaggerated for
purposes of clarity. Alternatively, in some embodiments a portion
of the enclosure may be deformable to a chamfer or other space may
be defined in the enclosure to permit the stem to angularly deflect
as shown. That is, the head 848 may deflect in the direction of the
applied force F and may move vertically relative to the button
aperture 872 in a first direction D1. As the head 848 moves
downward, the stem 850 may compress a bottom of the sealing element
154 and pivots at pivot point 854. The bottom end 853 of the stem
850 and trackable element 146 then move upwards towards the sensor
sidewall 860 of the sensor cavity 816 in a second direction D2.
Movement of the bottom end 853 of the stem 850 in the second
direction D2 causes the sidewall 858 of the stem 850 to compress
the tip 158, collapsing the dome 214. As the dome collapses, the
switch sensor 160 registers an input and the dome provides feedback
to the user regarding activation of the switch sensor 160.
In some embodiments, a middle portion of the stem may activate the
switch sensor. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another example
of the button 810 illustrated in FIG. 13A. With reference to FIG.
14, in this embodiment, the switch cavity 816 may be defined
towards an exterior of the enclosure 814 and may be aligned with a
middle portion, rather than a bottom end, of the stem.
Additionally, the seal cavity 816 may be somewhat enclosed from the
cavity 812 when the stem 850 is received into the button aperture
872. In other words, the stem 850 may form a lid or cover for the
switch cavity 816.
Additionally, the annular recess 852 may be defined towards the
bottom end of the stem 850. In particular, when the stem 850 is
positioned within the button aperture 872, the sealing member 154
may be positioned between the cavity 812 and the seal cavity
816.
With continued reference to FIG. 14, a sensing seal 835 may be
positioned around the trackable element 146 and the button aperture
872. In this manner, the sensing seal 835 may substantially seal
the cavity 812 from the button aperture 872 to prevent fluids,
debris, and the like from entering into the cavity 812 from the
button aperture 872. Depending on the type of sensing element 142
and trackable element 146, the sensing seal 835 may be positioned
between the trackable element 146 and the sensing element 142.
However, in other embodiments, the sensing seal 835 may be
positioned around both the sensing element and the trackable
element.
In operation, with reference to FIG. 14, as a user applies a force
F to the sidewall 845 of the head 848, the head 848 may move in the
first direction D1 corresponding to the direction of the input
force F. The back end 853 of the stem 850 may move upwards, but the
middle portion or the belly of the stem 850 may move in the
direction D1 with the head 848 due to the pivot point 854 being
positioned towards the back end 853 the stem 850. In other words,
as the pivot point 854 is located towards the end 853 of the stem
850, the middle portion of the stem 850 moves in the same direction
D1 as the force F. The compressibility of the sealing member 154
provides a pivot point for the stem 850, to allow the stem 850 to
move within the constraints of the button aperture 872 in order to
activate the switch sensor 160.
With reference to FIG. 13B and 14, depending on the location of the
pivot point 854, which may be determined by the location of the
sealing member 154, the switch sensor 160 may be located at a
number of different locations relative to the stem 850 and may be
activated by forces applied in a variety of directions. As such,
the location of the switch sensor may be varied as desired.
Generally, the sensor may output a signal in response to motion of
the stem 850 and/or head. The signal may vary depending on the type
of motion. For example, a rotational motion may cause a first
signal output, while a lateral motion causes a second signal output
and an angular motion causes a third signal output. The processor
may receive the signal or data based on the signal, and may use the
signal (or related data) to determine the input type and execute or
initiate an action based on the input type, as appropriate.
Further, in some embodiments, different sensors may sense different
types of motion, such that multiple sensors may be used to sense
multiple motions.
In some embodiments, the button assembly may further include a
motor coupled to the input button that may provide feedback to a
user as well as sense a user input to the button. FIG. 15 is a
cross-sectional view of the input button including a motor. With
reference to FIG. 15, the input button 810 may be substantially
similar to the input button 810 illustrated in FIG. 13A, but may
include a motor 880 attached to the stem 850. The motor 880
includes a drive shaft 882 and is configured to detect motion of a
trackable element 846, as well as cause motion of the trackable
element, via movement of the drive shaft 882. The motor 880 may be,
for example, a rotary or linear vibrating motor that is coupled to
the stem 850. The drive shaft 882 couples to the stem 850 via the
trackable element 846. For example, the trackable element may be
secured the bottom surface of the stem 850 and then connects to the
drive shaft 882.
In a first mode, the motor 880 may act as a sensing element and
detect rotational user input to the input button 810. In
embodiments where the motor 880 is a rotary motor, as a user
provides a rotational input R to the head 848, the head 848 and
stem 850 may rotate correspondingly. As the stem 850 rotates, the
trackable element 846 rotates, rotating the drive shaft 882. As the
drive shaft 882 rotates, the motor 880 senses the movement and
provides a signal to the processing element 124. In embodiments
where the motor 880 is a linear motor, as a user provides a linear
input L to the head 848, e.g., by pushing the head 848 lateral
towards the enclosure 814, the stem 850 moves laterally within the
button aperture 872 and the trackable element 846 moves the drive
shaft 882 in the lateral direction. The movement of the drive shaft
882 in the lateral direction may be detected by the motor 880,
which creates a signal to provide to the processing element
124.
In a second mode, the motor 880 may be used to provide feedback to
the user. For example, in instances where the motor 880 is a rotary
motor, the drive shaft 882 may rotate the trackable element 846,
which in turn rotates the stem 850 and head 848. The rotational
movement of the head 848 may be used to provide a visual
indication, as well as a tactile indication (when the user is
touching the head 848) to the user regarding the selection of a
particular input, a state of the device, or the other parameter
where feedback may be desired. In an embodiment where the motor 880
is a linear motor, the drive shaft 882 may move the stem 850
linearly within the button aperture 872 to provide feedback to the
user.
Additionally, the motor 880 may be used to provide dynamic feedback
to the user. For example, the motor 880 may be configured to rotate
or otherwise move the stem 850 that is used to provide a "tick" or
detent feel, without the requirement for a mechanical detent. As an
example, a user may rotate the input button 810 to scroll through a
list of selectable items presented on the display 116. As the user
passes a selectable item, the motor 880 may move the stem 850 to
provide a click or tick feel. Additionally, the motor 880 may
selectively increase or decrease a force required to rotate or move
the input button. For example, the motor 880 may exert a force in
the opposite direction of the user input force, and the user may be
required to overcome the force exerted by the motor 880 in order to
rotate the input button 810. As another example, motor 880 may be
used provide a hard stop to limit the rotation of the head 848. The
hard stop may be set at a particular rotational distance or may be
based on a list of selectable items, presented items, or the like.
As with the feedback example, to provide the hard stop, the motor
880 exerts a force on the stem 850 in the opposite direction of the
user applied force, and the force may be sufficiently high to
prevent the user from overcoming the force or may be set to
indicate the user the location of the hard stop. As yet another
example, the motor 880 may provide a "bounce back" or "rubber band"
feedback for certain inputs. In this example, as the user reaches
the end of a selectable list, the motor may rotate the stem 850 in
the opposite direction of the user applied force, which may cause
the head 848 to appear to bounce backwards off of the end of the
list presented on the display 116.
Additionally or alternatively, the wearable device may include a
mechanical detent that may be used to provide feedback to the user
as the user provides input to the input button 810. In this
example, the mechanical detent may be defined on the inner sidewall
of the button aperture 872 and may provide feedback to a user
and/or may be used as a stop for limiting rotation of the stem 850.
The detent may be used in conjunction with the motor 880 or
separate therefrom.
In some embodiments, the motor 880 may include a clutch that
selectively engages and disengages the stem 850 and the motor. In
these embodiments, the motor 880 may be disengaged to allow a user
to provide a manual input without feedback and then may be engaged
to provide feedback, prevent user rotation of the stem 850, or the
like.
In some embodiments, the input button may include one or more
sensors positioned within the head or other portion of the input
button that may be used to detect user input thereto. FIG. 16 is a
cross-sectional view of the input button including a input sensor
connected to the head. With reference to FIG. 16, in this
embodiment, the input button 910 may include a head 948 having a
face 947 and a stem 950 extending from a back portion of the head
948. The head 948 may define a sensor cavity 932 that receives an
input sensor 930. The sensor cavity 932 may be configured to have
approximately the same dimensions as the input sensor 930 or may be
larger or smaller than the input sensor 930. In some embodiments,
the sensor cavity 932 may contain other components, such as a
communication component or processing element.
The input sensor 930 may be substantially any type of sensor that
may detect one or more parameters. As some non-limiting examples,
the sensor 930 may be a microphone, accelerometer, or gyroscope,
and may be used to detect user input to the head 948 and/or stem
950. As one example, the input sensor 930 may be an accelerometer
and as the user provides input, such as a lateral or rotational
force of the input button 910, the accelerometer may detect the
change in acceleration, which may be used by the processing element
124 to determine the user input force to the button. Continuing
with this example, if the user provides a "tap" or other input to
the face 947 or other area of the head 948, the accelerometer may
be configured to detect the movement due to the force in order to
detect the user input force.
In another example, the input sensor 930 may be a microphone. FIG.
17 is a cross-sectional view of the input button 910. In this
example, one or more apertures 945 may be defined through the face
947 of the head 948. The apertures 945 may be in fluid
communication with the sensor cavity 932 such that sound waves may
travel through the face 947 to reach the sensor 930 positioned
within the sensor cavity 932. In this example, the input sensor 930
may detect user input, such as taps, clicks, or presses on the head
948 may detecting the sounds created by the engagement of a user's
finger with the head 948. In particular, as the user presses his or
her finger against the head 948, the force may create one or more
sound waves that may travel through the apertures 945 in the face
947 to reach the sensor 930. In these embodiments the head 948 may
form an input port to receive use inputs and may rotate or may not
rotate. In other words, the head may be secured in position or may
be allowed to rotate to provide the user with haptic feedback and
tactile sensation as he or her provides input to the input
button.
It should be noted that although the head 948 is shown in FIG. 17
has a plurality of apertures defined therethrough, in some
embodiments the apertures may be omitted. For example, the head 948
may be created out of a material that may not dampen sound waves,
e.g., a material that may transmit sound waves therethrough.
Additionally or alternatively, the input sensor 930 may be
positioned against the face 947 and the face 947 may have a
sufficiently thin thickness so as to allow sound waves to travel
therethrough.
Although the input sensor 930 and sensor cavity 932 have been
discussed as being in the head 948, in some embodiments, the input
sensor and sensor cavity may be positioned in the sidewalls of the
head 948. In these embodiments, the sidewalls may include one or
more apertures to allow sound waves to travel through.
The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while
examples disclosed herein may focus on a wearable electronic
device, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein
may equally apply to substantially any other type of electronic
device. Similarly, although the input button may be discussed with
respect to a crown for a watch, the devices and techniques
disclosed herein are equally applicable to other types of input
button structures. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is
meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the
scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these
examples.
* * * * *
References